Elko, Nev. – Two wildfires are continuing to grow in Elko County – threatening I-80 and Jackpot.

The lightning-caused Barth Fire has burned approximately 7,000 acres in sagebrush and grass approximately five miles south and west of Carlin, Nevada. The fire estimated at 30% contained. Two trailer home residences and several outbuildings burned. I-80 was closed for a 3-hour period Friday night between Battle Mountain and Carlin. I-80 remains threatened today and is subject to closure.

There are no reports of injuries on the Barth Fire. Currently, 90 people are working on the Barth Fire including fire engines and crews from the Crescent Valley Volunteer Fire Department (VFD), Carlin VFD, Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Forest Service responded to the Barth Fire. In addition the Eureka County Sheriff’s Office and City of Carlin have provided people and resources to the fire fighting effort.

The West Basin Fire is currently burning about five miles southeast of Jackpot, Nevada. The fire is burning in sagebrush and grass and is currently estimated at 7,000+ acres and is 10% contained. A Type III Fire Management Team is enroute to the fire which is threatening two ranches near Jackpot. The Jackpot VFD, four BLM engines, two NDF engines, and one helicopter are currently on the scene. Smoke warnings are in effect for travelers on U.S. Highway 93 near Jackpot.

“Both the Barth and West Basin Fires burned actively last night and showed extreme fire behavior,” said Nevada Division of Forestry Fire Management Officer Sam Hicks. “We’re flying over the West Basin Fire this morning to get a better idea of its size and potential.”

“We can’t stress defensible space enough,” Hicks added. “There was a textbook example Friday afternoon on the Barth Fire when fire fighters were going from home to home protecting structures. One house had clear space surrounding it and it was easily saved. Nearby homes without defensible space burned.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect for Elko County for Saturday, July 7 from 11 am to 9 pm.

Fire restrictions are in effect for all public lands in northeastern Nevada and all open burning is banned in Elko County.

Elko County Sheriff Dale Lotspeich commented, “It’s illegal to do open burning in Elko County. If you start a fire – intentionally or unintentionally – we’re going to take action.”